Drogba scored 32 goals in his one season with Marseille

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says his return to former club Marseille this week will be "truly special".

The sides meet at the Stade Velodrome, which the Ivory Coast international left in 2004, in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Drogba spent just one season with Marseille but made a huge impact, helping the club reach the Uefa Cup final.

He is fondly remembered by Marseille fans. They are eager to welcome a player who received generous applause when the sides met in London in September.

At last my team-mates are going to discover the [atmosphere at the] Stade Velodrome which I've been talking about for so long Didier Drogba

Drogba was suspended for Chelsea's 2-0 win but came out at half-time to take the acclaim.

"I am a bit overwhelmed by all this but it's OK," Drogba told the French champions' website on Tuesday.

"I am so overwhelmed by so many emotions that I don't really know how to deal with this situation. It feels funny. It is the first time I have been in this kind of situation."

Drogba, who scored 32 goals, including 19 in the French league, added: "I just can't wait to be there.

"At last my team-mates are going to discover the [atmosphere at the] Stade Velodrome which I've been talking about for so long.

"After the match, I will do a tour of the dressing room which I inhabited for a year."

Both Marseille and Chelsea have already qualified for the Champions League knockout stage.

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